introduction

As this small cove of internet space will exist predominantly for literary thought, discussion, and scrutiny, I have decided to begin by explaining the meaning of the blog's title. I will not insult the intelligence and/or ability to use Wikipedia of those who have chanced upon this blog (as you have done so by some search combination of quite unlikely terms), which is why a mere gloss of the terms 'solipsism' and 'Sisyphus' should suffice. According to Webster.com, 'solipsism' is defined as a theory holding that the self can know nothing but its own modifications, and that the self is the only existent thing; also : extreme egocentrism. Most important to understanding my use of 'Sisyphus,' then, is to understand it in terms of the 'Sisyphean task': a task which proves inevitably futile, just as the punishment of Sisyphus to continue to push a large rock up a steep hill, even though the rock will always escape him as it nears the top. Essentially, egocentrism for those with the means, but no end. Of course, the blog will not be all about me, as 'egocentrism' might suggest, but about the human's (more specifically, the artist's) search for a sense of self amidst the general malaise of today's society and culture. This literature-based blog will not neglect those other facets of culture, such as history, philosophy, visual art, and, most importantly (for this particular blog, at least) film. It is at the point where all of these lines of thought meet that one can develop and understand oneself as a product (and producer) of a particular culture. One of the greatest wordsmiths of the twentieth century, Vladimir Nabokov, pictured here in his early 20's, may serve as spokesperson for this blog and those who choose to address its topics in their own lives. His masterful use of language to emphasize the importance of aesthetics over social stigmas has proved a continual source of personal inspiration, and will hopefully inspire others who find themselves in a similar head space as the rock-dropping narcissist. Also, the title is an ode to my abrasive appreciation for alliteration--consider yourself warned.